Morocco in Advanced Talks to Acquire Israeli David's Sling Missile Defense System
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Morocco is reportedly in advanced talks to purchase Israel's David's Sling missile defense system, a move that would expand security cooperation between the two nations following the Abraham Accords. The system is capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles. Finland previously acquired the system in 2023, and other European countries are also showing interest due to regional security concerns.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Morocco is in advanced negotiations to acquire Israel's David's Sling missile defense system.
- The potential deal signifies expanding security cooperation between Israel and Morocco post-Abraham Accords.
- David's Sling can intercept ballistic and cruise missiles at ranges of 40 to 300 kilometers.
- Finland purchased the David's Sling system in 2023 for approximately 316 million euros.
- Other European nations are also expressing interest in Israeli air defense systems.
Morocco is reportedly in advanced negotiations to purchase Israel's David's Sling missile defense system, according to a German report. This potential acquisition aligns with the expanding security cooperation between Israel and Morocco, which has grown following the Abraham Accords.
If the deal materializes, David's Sling would enhance Morocco's existing air defense capabilities, which already include the Israel Aerospace Industries' Barak MX and Rafael's SPYDER systems. David's Sling is designed to intercept ballistic missiles and cruise missiles within ranges of approximately 40 to 300 kilometers. The specifics regarding the number of systems, procurement format, and timeline remain undisclosed.
David's Sling was jointly developed by Israel and the United States, led by Rafael and involving Raytheon. The system comprises a radar, command and control array, launchers, and Stunner interceptor missiles, capable of destroying targets through direct impact. It is engineered to counter various aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones.
Beyond air defense, Morocco has also reportedly acquired Elbit's PULS rocket launchers and ATMOS artillery systems, and is collaborating on local drone technology production. The German report emphasizes that the final decision and scale of Morocco's purchase of David's Sling are still uncertain.
Finland previously selected David's Sling in 2023, agreeing to a deal worth approximately 316 million euros, with additional options for future purchases. This acquisition aims to significantly bolster Finland's ground-based air defense and high-altitude target interception capabilities. The Finnish government noted that the sale requires U.S. approval and involves local industry participation in system integration and command and control component design.
Other European nations have also expressed interest in Israeli defense systems, including David's Sling, Arrow, and Iron Dome. In June, Moshe Patel, head of the Ministry of Defense's "Homa" (Arrow) Directorate, told Reuters that European concerns about Russia and lessons from the war in Ukraine are driving this interest, though specific countries and deal volumes were not mentioned.
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